NEW MUSIC: FT. YAS VW, JOSIE MAN, MAXINNE AND BEN RUSSELL & THE CHARMERS
New tracks from the most musically productive county in the country right now, writes Rob Hakimian
We have added all tracks to the ‘cene #KeepitKent Spotify Playlist HERE
Josie Man - One Of Those Days
For the full interview with Josie, click HERE
‘cene fave Josie Man grew up speaking both English and Cantonese, and has said that this caused her to invent her own universe – but even in this imaginary world she’s prone to bad luck. Her new track finds her having “just one of those days”, where she misses the bus, gets rained on, and messes up her favourite hoodie. Most of us would be in a foul mood in these circumstances, but none of it is putting a dampener on her sunshine spirit – in fact she turns it into bright bubblegum bedroom pop, creating a song that’s irrepressibly optimistic. It’s a must listen next time your mood’s on a downward skid – just press play, put your troubles aside, let those limbs get loose and enter the perennial positivity of Josie Man’s universe.
Instagram: @agroovyboothang
Maxinne & Lauren L’Aiment - Tell Me Something [Chill Mix]
Instagram: @djmaxinne
House producer Maxinne’s Tell Me Something has already racked up 2 million Spotify plays since its March release, but she’s not stopping there. Today she shares the ‘chill mix’ version, which takes us out of the night club and onto the beach, with a tropical drum sound underpinning the slowed-down beats.
Additions of sparkling piano help to accentuate Lauren L’Aiment’s vocal, which is brought to the fore and given more space to show off her range and power.
As summer now seems to be here, the chill mix of Tell Me Something is perfectly timed, ready to soundtrack those early evenings when the sun is low in the sky, the air is the perfect temperature, alcohol is in the bloodstream, and a night full of possibility is just beginning.
Yas VW - Morning After
Instagram: @yasvwofficial
The latest from Canterbury R&B sensation may be called Morning After, but it’s very much about the night before.
At first she seems hesitant, singing “we’re going too fast boy”, but the production is way ahead of her: trickling synths and wisps of breathy vocals set the mood for a steamy encounter and it’s not long before Yas is demanding “drive me down your highway of pleasure”.
Not that she’s losing her head, she remains fully self-possessed and assured of her prowess, her voice tripping across the beats with teasing glee as she offers “Spark this flame we’re going for a flight / Till the morning after.” Just like the dancing she and her partner produce in the video, she knows that it takes two to tango, and it’s so much better if they’re mentally and physically in sync.
Ben Russell & the Charmers - Got Me Feeling Good
Instagram: @brcreggae
Reggae is all about setting the vibe and then maintaining it.
For Ben Russell & The Charmers on their new one, the only aim is there in the title: Got Me Feeling Good.
Pure bliss from first minute to last, they don’t really have to do much except zone out and keep that rhythm shuffling along, following their well-honed instincts for generating a mood.
They curate a balmy atmosphere by draping just the right amount of backing vocals, brass and guitar over the track, and with the tone perfectly captured, it’s left to Ben Russell to just translate it into simple, repeated words: “got me feeling good, like I knew you would.” You’re damn right we do.